In January 2014, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) published the approved version of the Forest Park Project Objective Screening Tool (POST), posted here. This methodology for initial screening of proposed projects in Forest Park was developed by PP&R natural resources staff, with public input over the first six months of my tenure as Parks Commissioner. The POST provides a summary of previous studies relating to this jewel in the crown of Portland's parks and natural areas, with important factors converted into a scoring grid that evaluates proposed projects to see if they would be likely to pass Environmental Review under the Forest Park Natural Resources Management Plan's standards and approval criteria.

Other information about Forest Park Management Initiatives is posted here.

If a project passes the initial test of getting by the POST, staff will evaluate whether there is funding for planning and constructing the facility. If the answer to that question is Yes, then an appliction for Environmental Review will be prepared, with defined levels of public input to the Bureau o f Development Services on whether the proposal meets the applicable standards and approval criteria. If the application for Environmental Review is approved, the project will move to the construction phase after receiving approval of necessary permits.

Currently, there is very little funding available for new projects in Forest Park. The entire PP&R has a backlog of over $400 million on the list of desired new projects, and over $450 million in needed deferred maintenance. Neighborhood parks leaders have formed district/coalition parks committees to give advice on funding priorities in each area of Portland. Please contact your neighborhood office (call 503-823-4000 to find out your local information) and join these discussions. When individuals contact me to advocate for a particular need or park, I refer them to the Parks Committee in their area. There is not enough money to do all the needed improvements, and the Parks Committees are crucial for advising me on making the difficult choices for priorities.